Thomasville Medical Center earns LGBTQ distinction

Thursday

Apr 20, 2017 at 3:32 PMApr 21, 2017 at 10:04 AM

Staff Reports

Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center was among 21 hospitals in North Carolina named recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality," according to its 2017 Healthcare Equality Index.

The annual survey scores hospitals based on its care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer patients by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and team members. Thirteen Novant Health medical centers across North Carolina were recognized with the distinction.

“At Novant Health, diversity and inclusion are part of our core values," Novant Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Tanya Blackmon said in a press release announcing the recognition. "We recognize that each person brings a unique perspective and value to our organization, whether as a patient or as a team member."

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is one of the country’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organizations. Through its Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the Healthcare Equality Index evaluates health-care facilities on four key criteria, including foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, team member benefits and policies and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. More than 1,600 health-care facilities were evaluated nationwide, and 303 were identified as leaders in the field.

“We are intentional in identifying ways to address the unique needs of all people in our communities," Blackmon said. "We are enhancing patient-centered care across our footprint, and our Pride (LGBTQ) Business Resource Group is a resource in our commitment to health-care equity.

"From delivering remarkable patient care, to attracting and retaining diverse talent, to developing community partnerships and having a highly inclusive culture, we value our leadership in diversity and inclusion. Having our facilities recognized as leaders in LGBTQ health care equality is one of many indicators in our commitment," Blackmon said.